{"id":578635,"date":"2026-02-18T04:18:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T04:18:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/578635\/"},"modified":"2026-02-18T04:18:16","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T04:18:16","slug":"several-dodgers-will-be-on-the-shelf-come-opening-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/578635\/","title":{"rendered":"Several Dodgers Will Be on the Shelf Come Opening Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have the deepest<\/a> 40-man roster in the history of their franchise in 2026. There is no doubt this is a good thing because a pitch is yet to be thrown this season, and the versatility and strength of the team are already being tested. Several players will be on the shelf when the calendar lands on Opening Day. Here is a brief rundown of each situation.<\/p>\n

In No Hurry<\/p>\n

Despite the optimism expressed a couple of weeks ago, Tommy Edman<\/a> will not be ready for Opening Day. Edman, who had ankle surgery<\/a> shortly after last season, will not be ready for the first game in late March. The surgery he underwent seems to be extensive, as he had to repair an ankle that had hobbled Edman for more than two years, including before he became a Dodger.<\/a> It sounds like it could be at least late-May or early-June before we see Edman. This development sets up an interesting position battle at second base with as many as five players vying for playing time.<\/p>\n

Super-utility Man on the Shelf<\/p>\n

Enrique Hernandez<\/a> was signed last week and promptly put on the 60-day Injured List. A fan-favorite, Hernandez has made himself indispensable. He has been featured at every position on the diamond except catcher, and thrives when the season turns to October. Hernandez injured his elbow last May, but avoided surgery<\/a> until the season\u2019s end. He appears to be recovering nicely, but the Dodgers have not released a timeline for his return.<\/p>\n

High-Leverage Relief Options<\/p>\n

Right-handers Brusdar Graterol<\/a>\u00a0and Evan Phillips<\/a> are both in camp and have progressed to long toss. However, it could be some time before we see them in games that matter. Graterol has had a hard time staying healthy the past couple of seasons. Undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery<\/a> in the middle of 2024. Although the Dodgers were hoping he would be available late in 2025. \u00a0They were short right-handed bullpen options, but it wasn\u2019t to be. Graterol arrived at Spring Training at least 20 pounds lighter. This bodes well when he toes the rubber. However, Dave Roberts<\/a> doesn\u2019t like the way the ball \u201cis coming out of his hand.\u201d Roberts added that the velocity is \u201cnot where it needs to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are going to \u201cslow play\u201d Brusdar Graterol\u2019s ramp-up this spring, as he comes back from missing last year with shoulder surgery<\/p>\n

TBD on what that means for his opening day availability, but Roberts said \u201cit\u2019s gonna take some time\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) February 14, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

As for Phillips, he is not expected back until after the All-Star Break. The former closer<\/a> had Tommy John<\/a> surgery last May to fix an elbow that was giving him problems since the latter stages of 2024. His primary goal was to be fully healthy and effective in October when the games matter most.<\/p>\n

Saved the Best for Last<\/p>\n

Blake Snell<\/a> is still feeling the effect of an intense October run last season. Snell says he is still sore from his workload. As a result, the Dodgers will manage the Cy Young<\/a> Award very carefully. Los Angeles has already said that they will employ a six-man rotation at least through the end of April. It would be a surprise to see Snell as soon as that.<\/p>\n

Whatever the timelines of return are, it is very clear that the Dodgers are going to need everyone to contribute if they want to win another Championship.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Main Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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